The interpreter: or book containing the signification of words. VVherein is set forth the true meaning of all, or the most part of such words and terms as are mentioned in the law-writers, or statutes of this victorious and renowned kingdom, requiring any exposition or interpretation. A vvork not only profitable, but necessary for such as desire throughly to be instructed in the knowledge of our laws

London: printed by F. Leach, and are to be sold by Hen. Twyford, Tho, [sic] Dring, and Io. Place, 1658. Third edition, folio, pp. [284]; pi² A-2M⁴; lexicon in double column; title page worn at outer margin; full contemporary calf worn, corners showing, bottom of spine chipped, but generally a very nice and sound copy in what appears to be the original binding. Ownership signatures on front pastedown of James Barclay and B. Frank Hall from J. M. Carson, 1884. "This book gave Cowell more than an academic reputation… [In it] he advanced the opinion that the English monarchy was an absolute monarchy, and that the king only consulted Parliament by his goodness (truncated) in waiving his absolute power to make laws without their consent. This doctrine offended the commons, and early in the session of 1610 the lower house invited the lords to join with them in directing the king's attention to the book… Cowell was [subsequently] committed to the custody of an alderman; the book was suppressed by proclamation, in which it was denounced as insulting to the king and commons alike, and was burnt by the common hangman" (DNB). The book was republished unchanged in 1637, and again in 1658, as here, for the first time in folio format. Alston XVIII, 41; Wing C-6644. (Inventory #: 64492)